OBJECTIVETo investigate the strategy of controlling fluid resuscitation for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in acute phase.

METHODSFrom March 2001 to January 2006, 83 patients meeting for experimental criteria were included in this clinical trial. They were divided into early fluid expansion group (Group I, within 24 h after admission, 21 patients), middle fluid expansion group (Group II, within 25 - 48 h, 35 patients) and late fluid expansion group (Group III, within 49 - 72 h, 27 patients). Parameters of treatment of fluid therapy within 4 d after admission were observed. Serum lactic level was measured on admission and on meeting for criteria of fluid expansion. APACHEII scores, operation rate within 2 weeks, rate of mechanical ventilation, rate of ACS and survival rate were observed.

RESULTSTime interval for meeting fluid expansion criteria in Group I, Group II, Group III was (13 +/- 6) h, (38 +/- 5) h and (61 +/- 8) h, respectively. And there was statistical significance among them (P < 0.05). HCT (%) in Group I (33 +/- 6)% was lower than that of Group II (40 +/- 6)% and Group III (42 +/- 11)% significantly (P < 0.01) at the first day after admission; and there was no statistical significance between Group II and Group III. The amount of crystal and colloid infused in Group I (4014 +/- 2887) ml and (1220 +/- 705) ml at the day of admission was more than those of Group II (2366 +/- 1959) ml and (821 +/- 600) ml and Group III (2615 +/- 1574) ml and (701 +/- 585) ml (P < 0.01); but there was not different between Group II and Group III (P > 0.05). The ratio of colloid and crystal in Group III at the day of admission was lower than those of Group I and Group II (P < 0.05). The total amount of fluid infused was not different among 3 groups for the 4 d (P > 0.05). And infusion rate at the day of admission in Group I was more rapid than those of Group II and Group III (P < 0.05); and there was no difference between Group II and Group III (P > 0.05). The total amount of fluid sequestration in Group II for the 4 d was lower than those of Group I and Group III (P < 0.05); and there was no statistical significance between Group I and Group III (P > 0.05). At the first to the third day after admission APACHEII scores in Group I were higher than those of Group II and Group III (P < 0.05); and at the second and third day, APACHEII scores in Group III were higher than those of Group II (P < 0.05). Rate of mechanical ventilation in Group I (85.7%) was higher than those of Group II (37.1%) and group III (63.0%) (P < 0.05); and rate of ACS was most lowest in Group II (37.1%) (P < 0.05). Survival rate in Group I (38.1%) was lower than those of Group II (85.7%) and Group III (66.7%) (P < 0.05); and Group III was lower than that of Group II (P = 0.075).

CONCLUSIONSWithin 72 h after onset of the disease, survival rate is improved significantly through controlling fluid resuscitation and prevention of body fluid sequestration.